The median household income is about $44,000. Twenty-two percent live below the poverty level.

The median household income is about $44,000. Twenty-two percent live below the poverty level.

Photo: Emily Patrick - Fotolia

The median household income is about $44,000. Twenty-two percent... Photo-4964695.69254 - Houston Chronicle

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The Houston Independent School District is the state's largest, the nation's seventh-largest, with an enrollment of about 203,000. About 74 percent of Houstonians 25 and older are high school graduates; 28 percent hold at least a bachelor's degree. less

The Houston Independent School District is the state's largest, the nation's seventh-largest, with an enrollment of about 203,000. About 74 percent of Houstonians 25 and older are high school graduates; 28 ... more

Photo: David Hopper, Freelance

The Houston Independent School District is the state's... Photo-1177793.69254 - Houston Chronicle

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The city of Houston operates 43 public libraries containing 2.7 million books. Twenty languages are represented in the collections.

The city of Houston operates 43 public libraries containing 2.7 million books. Twenty languages are represented in the collections.

Within the six-county Houston District, the Texas Department of Transportation maintains 10,361 miles of roadway. In Houston, the mean travel time to work is 26 minutes. In a 24-hour period, 297,000 vehicles travel Loop 610 near the Galleria; 296,000 travel Interstate 10 immediately west of the loop; and 249,000 travel Interstate 45 just north of I-10. less

Within the six-county Houston District, the Texas Department of Transportation maintains 10,361 miles of roadway. In Houston, the mean travel time to work is 26 minutes. In a 24-hour period, 297,000 vehicles ... more

The city maintains almost 38,000 acres of parks and green spaces. Recreational facilities include 38 swimming pools, 60 community centers, 166 basketball courts, 241 playgrounds and 204 tennis courts. About 6 ... more

Photo: Cody Duty, Houston Chronicle

The city maintains almost 38,000 acres of parks and green spaces.... Photo-5104517.69254 - Houston Chronicle

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The Port of Houston, consisting of port authority docks and those of 125 private companies, is the nation's largest in foreign tonnage and U.S. imports. It is the second-largest in U.S. tonnage and U.S. export tonnage. less

The Port of Houston, consisting of port authority docks and those of 125 private companies, is the nation's largest in foreign tonnage and U.S. imports. It is the second-largest in U.S. tonnage and U.S. export ... more

The city of Houston operates two airports served by commercial carriers. In 2012, George Bush Intercontinental Airport served almost 40 million passengers; Hobby Airport served about 10 million.

The city of Houston operates two airports served by commercial carriers. In 2012, George Bush Intercontinental Airport served almost 40 million passengers; Hobby Airport served about 10 million.

Photo: Karen Warren, Staff

The city of Houston operates two airports served by commercial... Photo-4657668.69254 - Houston Chronicle

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Houston is home to four four-year universities, the largest of which, the University of Houston, has about 40,000 students at its main campus. The UH system also has downtown, Clear Lake and Victoria campuses.

Houston is home to four four-year universities, the largest of which, the University of Houston, has about 40,000 students at its main campus. The UH system also has downtown, Clear Lake and Victoria campuses.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool, Staff

Houston is home to four four-year universities, the largest of... Photo-4981648.69254 - Houston Chronicle

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Houston is home to three major art museums - the Museum of Fine Arts-Houston, The Menil Collection and the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston. Other major museums include the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Children's Museum of Houston and the John McGovern Museum of Health and Medical Science. less

Houston is home to three major art museums - the Museum of Fine Arts-Houston, The Menil Collection and the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston. Other major museums include the Houston Museum of Natural Science, ... more

Photo: Karen Warren, Houston Chronicle

Houston is home to three major art museums - the Museum of Fine... Photo-4621875.69254 - Houston Chronicle

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The Orange Show Foundation for Visionary Arts maintains two folk art sites - the Orange Show and the Beer Can House - and sponsors an annual art car parade.

The Orange Show Foundation for Visionary Arts maintains two folk art sites - the Orange Show and the Beer Can House - and sponsors an annual art car parade.

Houston boasts professional baseball, football, basketball and soccer teams, and is the site of the annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the world's largest. About 2.5 million attended the rodeo this year, and contestants vied for $1.68 million in prize money. less

Houston boasts professional baseball, football, basketball and soccer teams, and is the site of the annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the world's largest. About 2.5 million attended the rodeo this year, ... more

The Texas Medical Center is the world's largest medical complex, serving more than 7 million patients annually. Hospitals provide almost 7,000 beds. Each year, 28,000 babies are delivered at center hospitals; 350,00 surgical operations performed. less

The Texas Medical Center is the world's largest medical complex, serving more than 7 million patients annually. Hospitals provide almost 7,000 beds. Each year, 28,000 babies are delivered at center hospitals; ... more

Photo: Smiley N. Pool, Staff

The Texas Medical Center is the world's largest medical... Photo-5084367.69254 - Houston Chronicle

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Within the city are more than 900,000 street name and traffic control signs, 2,000 signal-controlled intersections, 60,000 storm water manholes and 50,000 fire hydrants.

Within the city are more than 900,000 street name and traffic control signs, 2,000 signal-controlled intersections, 60,000 storm water manholes and 50,000 fire hydrants.

Photo: Chronicle File

Within the city are more than 900,000 street name and traffic... Photo-5005966.69254 - Houston Chronicle

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The city of Houston annually processes more than 146 billion gallons of water, enough to fill the Astrodome four times a day, and treats 90 billion gallons of wastewater.

The city of Houston annually processes more than 146 billion gallons of water, enough to fill the Astrodome four times a day, and treats 90 billion gallons of wastewater.

Photo: Cody Duty, Houston Chronicle

The city of Houston annually processes more than 146 billion... Photo-5099309.69254 - Houston Chronicle